Battle Name : Siege of Lille

Date(s) : 12 August 1708 - 10 December 1708

Following their success at Oudenarde the Allies laid siege to Lille. The fortress, designed by Vauban, was the key to the region. The city was defended by a small garrison of 16,000 men. Malborough's Allied force was 100,000. The relieving French army numbered 110,000. Complex attempts to draw Marlborough away, to disrupt and destroy his communications and supply were all unsuccessful. On 23rd October the town was surrendered but the garrison withdrew into the citadel. After further attempts to disrupt the siege, one of which was for the French to lay siege to Brussels, the final surrender of the citadel came on the 10 December 1708.